Mike Baker

They see an energy crisis that may finally be ending.

That goodwill appears to have helped create a more productive environment for discussions on another issue dominating the summit, and that would be the war in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly worked behind the scenes to ensure that Ukrainian President Zelensky would have time to meet directly with Trump.

European leaders used the summit to make a coordinated argument that Ukraine's battlefield position has improved and that Russia may no longer possess the overwhelming leverage many assumed it held just even a year ago.

By the end of the summit, there were signs that the message may have resonated.

Reuters reports that G7 leaders issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for Ukraine and backing additional sanctions pressure on Russia.

Trump also approved military production licenses that would allow American companies to manufacture long-range missile systems with Ukraine.

Perhaps most notably, Trump's public comments reflected a tone that many European leaders have been hoping to hear.

Speaking to reporters, Trump described Russia as the, quote, offensive party in the conflict and acknowledged that Moscow is suffering heavier personnel losses than Ukraine.

Now, that may sound like a small shift, but it represents a notable departure from the more skeptical posture that Trump has often taken toward Kiev's war effort.

French President Emmanuel Macron later told reporters that he had observed what he described as a, quote, real change in approach from Trump regarding the war.

Now, it is important not to overstate what's happened here.

One successful summit doesn't necessarily mean a permanent shift in American policy.

President Trump continues to emphasize the need for negotiations, and European officials remain uncertain about how far Washington is ultimately willing to go in supporting Ukraine.

Still, by the time leaders departed France, there was a growing sense that Europe had accomplished something important.

The summit began with leaders focused on the Iran agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

It ended with renewed unity on Ukraine and indications that President Trump may be warming to the argument that Kiev's position is stronger than many had previously believed.

All right.

Coming up next, the UAE is spending billions to ensure that it never has to rely on the Strait of Hormuz again.

Plus an update from Haiti, where a newly formed security force is taking the fight directly to the country's notorious gangs.